Southampton's proposed big money takeover by a Chinese firm has been cast into doubt, according to reports from the Daily Echo.

Chinese firm Lander Holdings were expected to complete the takeover of Southampton after agreeing a £200million fee to purchase 80 per cent stake of the club from current owner Katharina Liebherr.

However, the takeover has not yet been completed and last week Lander boss Gao Jisheng was quoted by Reuters as saying of the potential deal: "It is not clear at the moment. The seller is having second thoughts about selling the club."

Now in an update from the Daily Echo, Liebherr still wants to sell Southampton to provide the club with a cash injection but is said to have doubts about Lander's suitability in guiding the Saints towards progression in the coming years.